F1: Former Manor boss Booth joins Toro Rosso

Former Manor team principal John Booth has joined the Toro Rosso Formula 1 team on a "consultancy basis" in the role of director of racing.

Booth left Manor at the end of last season having resigned along with sporting director Graeme Lowdon because of what is understood to be a difference of opinion with owner Stephen Fitzpatrick. The Englishman has since started the new Manor Endurance Racing squad with Lowdon, fielding two ORECA-Nissan 05s in the LMP2 class throughout this year's World Endurance Championship. He will dovetail those duties with his Toro Rosso role, which he will begin at this weekend's Russian Grand Prix in Sochi.

"It is a great honor to join such a well-established and competitive team as Scuderia Toro Rosso," said Booth. "It is a team that has achieved so much in a relatively short space of time. I am looking forward to getting started and working with [team boss] Franz [Tost] and the team this weekend in Sochi."

Team principal Franz Tost added: "I have known John for many years and I am delighted to welcome him to the team. Formula 1 is becoming ever more complex, with recent changes on the tire front, car set-up, radio communications and so forth. Therefore, having a competitive car and talented drivers, both of which we have, on its own is not enough.

"With his vast experience, I am sure John will help the team raise its game and become a more effective force over a race weekend."

Originally on Autosport.com